Built For MAME. Not Just Compatible With It.
Every Xtension controller ships pre-configured for MAME out of the box — Cherry/ZF microswitches, IL competition joysticks, and an iPac encoder that switches between Keyboard, DirectInput, and XInput. Plug in your Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, Batocera, or emulation PC and start playing.
BUILT FOR EMULATION, IN WAYS AN AFTERTHOUGHT
Two ways to get a MAME cabinet. One of them treats it as the point.
Arcade1Up doesn’t run MAME at all — it’s a closed system, off the table for this comparison entirely. The real choice for emulation builders is between us and Game Room Solutions, so here’s exactly how that compares, sourced from both companies’ own current product pages.
| Arcade1Up | Game Room Solutions | Rec Room Masters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAME / emulation support | None — closed system | Supported, bring your own PC/Pi | Pre-configured to MAME out of the box |
| Raspberry Pi compatible | No | Yes | Yes — iPac’s 3 modes cover all setups |
| Joysticks & buttons | Brand not disclosed | Generic “Zippy” brand standard | Cherry/ZF switches + IL joysticks standard |
| Encoder | Not disclosed; closed system | Xin-Mo USB encoder | iPac encoder — 3 switchable modes |
| Frontend software | Not applicable | Hyperspin / Emulationstation (restricted) | Pre-configured for MAME; also runs Hyperspin, LaunchBox, Batocera, RetroPie |
| What’s included at that price | $349.99, fully closed system | $749.99 cabinet only | $1,095, cabinet + wired MAME-ready controller |
NOT JUST AIMED FOR IT
Pre-configured for MAME. Not “compatible” as an afterthought.
Plenty of cabinets will technically plug into a Pi or PC. Fewer arrive already set up to run MAME the moment you connect it, with the parts serious emulation builders would choose for themselves anyway.
- Pre-Configured to MAME out of the box Connect and go — no remapping buttons before you start your first game.
- Cherry/ZF microswitches + IL joysticks The same category of parts serious builders buy separately and wire in themselves.
- iPac encoder, 3 switchable modes Keyboard, DirectInput, or XInput — works across PC, Mac, and Raspberry Pi.
- Upgradeable to genuine Sanwa The Pro Edition controller swaps in genuine Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons and JLF-TP-8YT joysticks.
“The controller worked better than I anticipated with Emulation station/emudeck integrating with my game platform (LaunchBox / MAME / Xboxcast).”
— David, verified Rec Room Masters customer
DUAL FRONTEND, ZERO HARDWARE
Runs your frontend of choice. Hides your hardware out of sight.
Whether you’re running it on Hyperspin, LaunchBox, Batocera, RetroPie, or EmulationStation — the cabinet doesn’t care, and the push-to-open storage door keeps your Pi, PC, or spare controllers out of view.
- Frontend agnostic Hyperspin, LaunchBox, Batocera, RetroPie, EmulationStation — all connect the same way over USB.
- Raspberry Pi, PC, or Mac Bring the emulation box you already trust — the cabinet doesn’t lock you into one platform.
- Storage door keeps it tidy Stash your Pi or laptop and spare controllers behind a push-to-open door instead of leaving them exposed.
HONEST PRICING
What’s flat-pack, what’s pre-wired, and what it costs.
The cabinet is a flat-pack build like every Xtension cabinet we make. The controller is the part that ships ready to go — pre-wired, pre-configured for MAME, and plug-and-play.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Questions people actually ask
Yes. The cabinet’s controller connects over USB and works with any frontend that reads a standard keyboard, DirectInput, or XInput signal, which covers RetroPie, Batocera, Hyperspin, LaunchBox, and EmulationStation. The Emulator Edition controller is pre-configured for MAME out of the box.
A Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 is recommended for the best performance. The iPac encoder’s three switchable modes (Keyboard, DirectInput, XInput) ensure compatibility with all Pi-based frontends. The cabinet’s storage compartment has plenty of room for any Pi model.
Game Room Solutions sells the cabinet shell separately — you still need to source and wire your own controller, joysticks, buttons, and encoder. The Xtension Upright includes a fully wired, MAME-ready controller with Cherry/ZF microswitches and IL competition joysticks, pre-configured and ready to play out of the box.
Yes. The Pro Edition controller is a separate unit that swaps onto the same cabinet — no rewiring required. It includes genuine Sanwa parts and a Brook UFB Fusion board that adds native support for Xbox, PlayStation (PS3/PS4/PS5), Switch, and Wii U. You can upgrade at any time.
The cabinet ships flat-pack with video assembly instructions — you assemble the wood enclosure yourself. The controller is the one part that arrives fully built and pre-wired. Once the cabinet is assembled, you set the controller on top and connect the USB cable. No soldering, no wiring, no configuring any of the controls.
HANDMADE IN THE USA
Give your MAME build the cabinet it deserves.
Starting at $1,095 with a MAME-ready controller included, or $1,195 with real console support.
See The Upright Xtension →